Additionally Stainton Quarry and Kell Gate Green, cared for by the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces, has been given the Green Flag Community Award.

The same eight also won awards last year.

This year they are among a record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces recognised with the award nationally.

Middlesbrough’s deputy mayor Councillor Dave Budd said: “Retaining these awards is every bit as special as gaining them in the first place.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who take such personal pride in maintaining high standards on behalf of the Middlesbrough public.

“It’s also particularly pleasing that the eight parks and green spaces highlighted in this award are spread right across the town, giving everyone the chance to enjoy them at their leisure.”

Alan Liddle, chairman of the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces, said: “We are very pleased to retain the award this year and look forward to keeping it for many more years. It is a great reward for a lot of hard work by volunteers.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”